Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a member of the mint family, a perennial herb. It is a herb useful for its culinary, fragrance, medicinal and decorative uses.^[1]

Description[edit | edit source]

Pennyroyal has small, oval-shaped leaves in a dark green colour. They are smooth. The leaves have a strong, pungent mint odour.

There is a European pennyroyal and an American pennyroyal.^[1] The differences are minor and can be observed in the flowers (four stamens for the European and two for the American).^[1]

Growing pennyroyal[edit | edit source]

Grow pennyroyal in the herb garden or as a border plant. It can also be grown as groundcover as it tolerates poor soil.^[2] It can become invasive quite quickly, in the manner typical of members of the mint family. Planting in containers or surrounded by polyethylene bags can curb its spread.^[1][2] If planting more than one, plant 25cm or 12 inches apart.

Plant in partial shade to full sun.^[1] Pennyroyal prefers well-drained, rich soil that retains moisture.

It is not prone to many plant diseases.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Pennyroyal oil obtained simply from crushing the leaves and rubbing it on your skin can be useful for deterring insects such as flies, chiggers, ticks, mosquitoes, etc.^[1] (See Caution below for the essential oil.)

Pennyroyal can be added to vinegar for a flavoured vinegar. It can be drunk as a tea.^[1]

Cautions[edit | edit source]

Pennyroyal should not be used in large doses by pregnant persons.^[1][2]

Do not use pennyroyal essential oil without being a qualified herbalist who knows its properties and how to apply it. The essential oil is highly toxic and ingestion or application of the oil is dangerous.^[3] Pennyroyal should never be used on pet animals without veterinary advice; it can prove lethal.^[4]

Sources and citations[edit | edit source]